Courtney Meeks, who grew up in Valdosta, Georgia, is graduating this spring with a PhD in plant pathology. In the below Q&A, she talks about her interests in plants and diseases and how valuable it’s been to work alongside scientists with different strengths. Courtney plans to continue her work in the field and help farms with their plant health issues.
What’s your hometown? / Where did you grow up?
I grew up in south Georgia in a city called Valdosta.
Why did you decide to go into your field of study?
I always enjoyed science, and when my high school had an outbreak of a plant virus, I learned I was able to combine my interests of plants and disease!
What are your future career or academic plans?
Currently, my plans are up in the air as I await decisions, but I’m looking forward to a break before jumping back into helping farms with their plant health issues.
What were the most valuable and/or meaningful experiences you had in CALS?
The most valuable experience I have had is working alongside scientists with different strengths. I am a more field-inclined researcher, and I have learned and grown exponentially in my molecular knowledge and expertise through conversations and collaborations with molecularly gifted scientists. We are truly blessed in CALS to have colleagues that are willing & excited to work together to address a problem.
When you think about your time here in CALS, what are you proud of?
I am proud of the growth I have experienced professionally and personally; it is something I have reflected greatly on in the last few months. I do not think I would have grown in the areas of my life that I have without being in CALS and in Madison, Wisconsin.
If you had to eat one Babcock ice cream flavor for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Easy — Union Utopia!
What’s your favorite thing about the city of Madison?
I love the seasons of Madison and learning how to appreciate each one for the activities and speed of life it provides.